Four-year degree is the first for 绿帽社聽
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The biotech field is expected to grow faster than average through 2031, according to the . Area biotech companies report struggling to fill positions for well-trained staff on their production teams. To meet this need, Moorpark College will offer a bachelor鈥檚 degree in applied biomanufacturing, expanding on the college鈥檚 proven track record of its associate degree in biotechnology. 聽
The California Community Colleges Board of Governors granted Moorpark College official approval of the degree on Jan. 23. Students can begin the program with the fall 2024 semester.
鈥淪tudents who earn this degree will be well-equipped to pursue careers in the growing biotech industry,鈥 said Dr. Julius Sokenu, president of Moorpark College. 鈥淢oorpark College aims to provide our community with educational opportunities that lead to careers that help them build wealth 鈥 not just a living wage 鈥 and salaries that lift students out of poverty into solid middle-class professional jobs.鈥
Annual regional job growth in the biotech industry is estimated at 8.1%. The median annual salary comparison in Ventura/L.A. County for students with an associate degree in biotech can be as high as $52,000 and up to $84,000 with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in biomanufacturing.
The new bachelor鈥檚 degree, developed with input from key industry advisors, will help diversify the local workforce by removing barriers and offering employment opportunities for low-income and minority individuals, women and recent immigrants.
Another benefit is that students can stay within the community to earn a baccalaureate, which better prepares them for employment in the biotechnology/biomanufacturing industry in our region.
Moorpark College鈥檚 associate degree biotechnology program has already closed the equity gap between white and Latinx students and narrowed the gap for black students in comparison with other disciplines.
鈥淭he 绿帽社 prides itself on the work we do with our industry partners to enhance students鈥 futures and address workforce needs,鈥 said Chancellor Rick McLennan. 鈥淰entura College and Oxnard College are in the process of exploring baccalaureate programs for in-demand fields.鈥
The newly approved program is part of Gov. Gavin Newsom鈥檚 2021 authorization for the California Community Colleges Board of Governors to expand and extend the four-year degree pilot program indefinitely. The goal is to launch up to 30 baccalaureate degree programs annually. As of January 2023, 17 of the 116 community colleges in the state offer their students the opportunity to earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree.
The college plans to hold an informational event this summer to introduce the program to students and the community.
For more information about Moorpark College鈥檚 biotechnology program, visit